HOLIDAYS TO SAN FRANCISCO

Thoughts of San Francisco bring images of the wonderful Golden Gate Bridge, the incredible Alcatraz Island and the old cable cars that have run up and down the hill here since 1873. It is a city that combines historic landmarks with a modern economy for a unique holidaying experience.

California is often pictured as a year-round sun worshippers paradise but it is the fog and unpredictable weather that gives San Francisco a certain charm. It is a seven-by-seven-mile peninsula that has 43 hills and an array of microclimates.

A vibrant and exciting city, if you go with an open-mind then you will be talking about this trip for many years to come. Whether you use it as the final destination for a US break or add it to a trip through California, the Bohemian neighbourhoods and iconic locations are all there ready to enchant you.

Alcatraz

The most iconic attraction in San Francisco is Alcatraz Island. Reservations are needed to visit this place so make sure you have these before arrival as you go to what was once the home of super criminals like Al Capone. A prison with the feel of a fortress building, the spot is surrounded by a wild and freezing sea, which claimed the lives of any prisoner who attempted to escape.

During its time, this has also been a Civil War Fort, a symbol of Native American plight and a military base. Now it is purely a tourist hotspot and you can take a sightseeing tour around Alcatraz as you hear the infamous tales of the past.

Cross the bridges

You can’t go to San Francisco without crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Arguably the most incredible suspension bridge in the world, it was finished in 1937 and links the northern tip of the peninsula with Marin County. At three-miles long it might be ambitious to walk the distance but you really need to take a drive across and get a picture of this beautiful piece of engineering.

Not quite as awe-inspiring, but still stunning, is Bay Bridge which connects San Francisco and Oakland. The double decker bridge carries almost a quarter of a million vehicles each day.

In the city

San Francisco has the oldest Chinatown district in the United States and this cannot be missed as you try some of the delicious cuisine. If you are here in January then the Chinese New Year is met with a spectacular parade that you won’t want to miss.

If you feel up to the walking task then stroll through the city stopping at various intervals, including the crooked and steep Lombard Street, as you go. Alternatively, hop on one of the old fashioned cable cars to give you the chance to see this city in all its glory.

Places to look out for include Telegraph Hill with its soaring skyscrapers, like the Transamerica building, and the unique Coit Tower as well as Grace Cathedral on Nob Hill. For the best view of the city, take a trip to Buena Vista Park and enjoy the stunning panoramic. Be sure to take a trip to the Pier 39 area if you are here in January to watch the arrival of the barking sea lions.

Family fun can be found at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park and you can head to Fisherman’s Wharf for some child-focused entertainment. For something a bit different, try the Bay Vista helicopter tour to get a wonderful view of the whole city.

Food and evening entertainment

The city has long championed the idea of using sustainable farm-to-table produce for seasonal menus. This is widely used throughout the city and has played a part in the locals feeling that San Francisco is the best dining destination in the United States. From Chinatown to Italian bistros at North Beach to vegetarian and ethnic food at Haight-Ashbury, you have plenty of choice. After food, there are a great deal of options for dancing or drinking the night away. From bars to lounges to nightclubs to comedy to live music, the city comes alive - North Beach is a great place to spend an evening.

Travellers looking for comfort and style during their time spent in the welcoming city of San Francisco need look no further than the Hotel Whitcomb, a holiday getaway designed on 19th century Edwardian themes, boasting elegant chandeliers, marble columns and Janesero wooden panels to appeal to the sophisticated traveller seeking something special. Located deep in the centre of the city, explorers are sure to find the close proximity to such l...
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Set deep within the booming Financial District of San Francisco, the Harbor Court is an amazing, boutique retreat whose spacious settings, modern comforts and attentive level of service are further enhanced by the gorgeous views and vistas of the waterfront and surrounding Embarcadero. Whether it’s for exploration purposes or simply to relax, the area is perfect for both, offering a wealth of sights to see and highlights to discover while also...
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Nestled deep in the downtown district of San Francisco, The Serrano Hotel sets the tone for a comfortable and stylish stay in an urban paradise, surrounded by the many sights and sounds of the bustling city which guests can indulge in or simply unwind and relax in this lavishly designed hub where an attentive level service awaits. Settled in the renowned Theatre District of the city, the hotel provides convenient access to many of the city’s l...
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Settled a mere block away from the fun and excitement of San Francisco’s renowned Union Square, The Cartwright Hotel brings comfort, style and service to those seeking to immerse themselves in the warm and welcoming ambiance of the ‘Golden City’. Situated close to such local landmarks as Nob Hill, Chinatown and the North Beach District, the hotel serves as a great starting point for avid explorers, while the in-house luxuries ensure a relaxing...
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Located an hour away from the sprawling city of San Francisco, the River Terrace Inn sits nestled amidst the verdant, natural splendour of the Napa Valley, a sanctuary of peace and serenity far removed from the cacophony of the urban lifestyle, a place where travellers can revel in a setting of peace and calm. Guests are welcome to explore the roving hills and wine valleys surrounding the hotel, or simply ease back and relax in comfort at the ...
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Nestled deep amongst the wonders of Union Square, the Sir Francis Drake Hotel is a warm and welcoming urban getaway that brings all the comforts of a world-class holiday establishment and combines them with the vibrant ambiance and unforgettable sights and sounds of inner city San Francisco. Situated in an idyllic area, the hotel provides easy access to the popular shopping outlets, dining venues, local landmarks and yearly events of Union Squ...
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Settled in the heart of Union Square, the Handlery Union Square is a great holiday escape where visitors to the city can uncover the many sights and sounds of San Francisco and also be treated to plenty of style, space, comfort and a personal level of service to ensure a memorable stay through and through. Explorers will be sure to appreciate the convenience of having the San Francisco cable car stop right at the corner of the hotel, allowing ...
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With its excellent location on San Francisco’s iconic Fisherman’s Wharf, the Holiday Inn Fisherman’s Wharf is the ideal hotel for those looking to explore this magnificent city.

Situated in the heart of one of San Francisco’s premier holiday attractions, a stay at the Holiday Inn Fisherman’s Wharf puts you in close proximity to Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square and the Aquarium of the Bay.

Situated only a short walk from the iconic hotspots of Union Square and the Financial District, The Clift is a luxurious getaway nestled deep amongst the numerous wonders of San Francisco, offering all visitors a unique experience where comfort and style combine with convenience and service. Designed with a mixture of both old world and modern charm, the hotel provides a great place for both business and leisure travellers to ease back into, h...
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Located deep in the heart of Union Square, the Westin St. Francis sits as a warm and welcoming urban escape that brings together a sense of old world classicism and combines it with contemporary comforts, bringing the very best of this wondrous city straight to each and every visitor. Boasting a host of intricately designed features, such as marble columns, wooden furnishings, ornate balconies and even a grandfather clock, the hotel is a uniqu...
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Settled along the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf district of San Francisco, the Pier 2620 Hotel prides itself on bringing a world of comfort, style, space and service to each and every visitor seeking to explore the vibrant city or simply relax and take in the soothing ambiance of such a serene setting. Boasting amazing views from its enviable vantage point, the hotel urges guests to indulge in the sights and sounds of San Francisco, presenting easy...
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Located amidst the central wonders of Fisherman’s Wharf, the Sheraton Fisherman’s Wharf invites guests the world over to bask in a sophisticated setting where space and style are in abundance and an attentive level of service helps round out what is likely to be a memorable time in the city of San Francisco. Ideally set near many of the city’s hotspots and renowned landmarks, guests are welcome to explore and discover such attractions as Pier ...
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Located deep in the centre of San Francisco, the renowned Fairmont hotel sits proud atop Nob Hill, a testament to the finer things that all visitors of the San Francisco should experience. The luxurious hotel takes pride in ensuring guests will receive a warm level of service to go with the high modern quality of the decor throughout the hotel, creating a haven in which travellers can relax knowing they are in capable hands. The hotel sports ...
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Best Western Plus The Tuscan, a Kimpton Hotel (formerly Tuscan Inn Fisherman's Wharf)

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Best Western Plus The Tuscan, a Kimpton Hotel (formerly Tuscan Inn Fisherman's Wharf)

Located along the edge of Fisherman’s Wharf, The Tuscan is a boutique hotel that brings all the beauty and authenticity of San Francisco to both business and leisure travellers seeking to indulge in the sights and sounds of one of America’s most renowned cities while also enjoying an abundance of comfort, style and service all at great value. Designed with space and privacy in mind, the hotel draws inspiration from European decor which adds a ...
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Located deep in the heart of the ever popular Fisherman’s Wharf district of San Francisco, The Argonaut serves as a warm and welcoming establishment whose unique and rustic designs blend in perfectly with the soothing ambiance of the nautical surroundings. Intricately styled with old world charm in mind, the hotel features, among its many wonders, such distinct elements as exposed brick walls and wooden plank flooring to create a synergy with ...
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Boasting gorgeous views that look out over the beautifully cityscape and bay area of San Francisco, the Loews Regency serves as a magnificent urban haven that seamlessly fuses spacious settings, modern comforts and an attentive level of service with the natural beauty and bustling vibrancy of the surrounding district to ensure a memorable occasion for each and every visitor. Nestled deep in the heart of the Financial District, travellers can e...
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Hotel Facilities

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Parking

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Room Service

Spa

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San Francisco Highlights

A city filled with an eclectic mix of things to see and do, San Francisco isn’t your classic Californian location. Iconic destinations like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz entice tourists but it is the character of this destination that sticks in the mind of visitors.

San Francisco is a melting pot of old meets new, a place with an exciting, forward-thinking population but one that also has a spot in its heart for the fascinating history of the city. From riding a traditional cable car to watching sea lions at Pier 39, each day is a new adventure.

Discover how true the hype is by taking the opportunity to visit one of the most impressive cities in the United States.

Things to do in San Francisco

Take a trip to Alcatraz.

Cross the breathtaking Golden Gate Bridge.

Hop on a cable car to explore the city.

Hit North Beach for the best in night time entertainment.

San Francisco is an incredible city with diversity and a free spirit. Find out more about adding this on to a California tour or taking a break there now by calling Travelbag today.

The peak season of June through August sees the majority of visitors and, whilst this is the summer, the microclimates in San Francisco can change the temperature rapidly.

There is a more professional look to the city than the rest of California, so you might want to consider this when packing. It is recommended that you pack layers for your trip because of the way the weather varies.

You might not get the chance to break out the shorts and t-shirts so be sure to have a sweater, long sleeved shirts, jeans, black pants, light jackets and comfortable walking shoes that are ready for the trials of this great city.

To protect yourself from the elements then a hat will be useful, sunglasses and sun cream is needed whenever you travel and a travel-sized umbrella will come in extremely useful. As you are in the United States, most toiletries and medical supplies are easily available so just pack the essentials.

Capital – Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States

Currency – US dollar

Language – English

Time Zone – GMT-8

San Francisco enjoys dry summers and mild winters and you will tend to find that cool mornings with fog moves towards afternoons of temperatures between 12ºC and 21ºC before it cools off again once the sun sets.

Although it isn’t far from Los Angeles, you get a completely different type of holiday from the City by the Bay. You don’t get much rain, although chances do increase between December and March, but you need to pack with layers because it isn’t a place for inland summers and the temperature can drop very quickly.

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